Curriculum

The interdisciplinary character of the Peace Studies department facilitates the integration of the various strands involved in conflict and the complex nature of peace. Building upon the six required courses, a student majoring in Peace Studies, in close consultation with the department, focuses his/her interest by looking at conflict and its resolution through detailed study in the social sciences, the humanities or the natural sciences.

Requirements for incoming majors and minors beginning Fall 2016

Major

Basic Requirements (28 Credits)

PCST 111 - Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies

221 - Theory and Practice of Nonviolence

333 or 343 - Theologies of Violence/Non-Violence or Philosophies of Violence/Non-Violence

346 - Mediation and Conflict Resolution

397 - Internship

399 - Capstone

ENVR 175 or ENVR 275 - Integrated Environmental Science

Electives (24 credits)

Each student takes 6 elective courses chosen with the help of the student's faculty adviser to support the student's area of interest, or "focus", within the field of Peace Studies. We will provide sample tracks listing common electives for popular focus areas (such as Global Health or Human Rights) on our website, but students will not be required to choose an existing track. Each student will have the option to design a personalized track by selecting 6 electives to match a unique focus.

Completion of either the Humanities, Natural Science, or Social Science concentration

Humanities Concentration (24 additional credits)

The humanities concentration will include six PCST humanities courses, chosen by the Peace Studies major to fit her/his particular focus. The selection will need the approval of the student's advisor and the department chair. Students with a humanities concentration will take PCST 333 or PCST 343 (whichever was not taken for the basic requirements). Five of these courses must be upper division.

Natural Sciences Concentration (34-56 additional credits)A major or minor in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics or nutrition; one PCST humanities course chosen in consultation with the student's advisor; one PCST social science course, also chosen in consultation with the student's advisor.

Social Science Concentration (24 credits)

Six PCST courses chosen in consultation with the student's advisor, in order to fit his/her particular focus within the department. Five of these courses must be upper division.

Minor Required Courses (24 credits)

(PCST) 111 - Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies

221 - Theory and Practice of Nonviolence

333 or 343 - Theologies of Violence/Non-Violence or Philosophies of Violence/Non-Violence